Looking For Advice

[Cee]

I've been involved with tropical fish for many years and consider myself a pro. I also enjoy the hobby very much. I really want to open my own fish store but so afraid it is not a popular hobby. I try to find information on the web about it's popularity but find nothing. What is also in my favor is the closest fish store is 30 miles away. So my question is, "is tropical fish a popular hobby?" Any input would be well appreciated. Thanks again.

 

[james_fish]

I think fishkeeping is increasing massively in popularity, it's becoming fashion to have fish. Fish tank's make nice pieces of furniture for different parts of the house. Fluval Chi, Edge and the Biorb Range seem to be popular, although not always practical for fish.

Where are you located? UK? If so, where abouts?

Good Luck, James.

 

[Cee]

No, USA, east coast.

 

[This Old Spouse]

I think it's increasing, and if you run a clean and fair store, you should do well. Just make sure you're nowhere near a Wal-Mart or other crap fish store. Even if you have the best setup in the world you would lose business to them.

Also, I'd advise to have nothing but fish. I know several stores that also keep birds and reptiles and bunnies to bring in the business, but if you're a serious, educated and dedicated fishkeeper, people will find you because of your reputation and keep you in business! Good luck!!

 

[micko]

I suppose it all depends on how densely populated your area is. We have had a few LFS's close down near us so the nearest is an hours drive away. Although you cannot get through the town due to traffic at 8.30am and 3pm it really is a small town, a lot of small towns around the one area.

 

[thezodiac]

i would say the biggest 2 factors are amount of other fish stores in the area as well as knowledge of yourself and employees.

personally i have both petco, petsmart, and walmart (which i would never buy fish from)

the only time i considered searching for a lfs was when i wanted a specific fish neither petco or petsmart had, when i called they were somewhat unfriendly and i could tell very quickly in they didnt know much about fishkeeping (and im new to the hobby myself)

needless to say i didnt bother driving the extra distance to go there

so if you dont have a ton of local competition, can find/train knowledgeable employees and get the money to start the business youd have a chance. (reasonable prices as well)

 

[Flexa]

best of luck either way!

 

[colleen0309]

I opened a tropical fish shop about 10 years ago. It closed down due to no business. My problem was our area is extremely rural. We live in farm country. No main highways, and limited people in the area. I still have people call me for advice, but that's it. hope it works out for you.